Mississauga – India Rainbow Community Services of Peel held its 26th Annual General Meeting on June 23, 2011 which was well attended by over 80 guests, members, volunteers and staff.

Kitty Chadda, Mrs. Rena Arback holding the plaque, with Sheela Joshi and Daniel Arback.

Sheela Joshi, President, welcomed everyone and said “It is our people helping people philosophy that inspires us to make a difference in the community. As we continue to grow, we will keep our focus on doing what is right and provide more programs and services to meet the needs of newcomers, seniors and emerging population”.

Kitty Chadda, Executive Director, spoke briefly about the various programs and services offered by India Rainbow, and talked about some challenges that the organization is currently dealing with. She thanked the funders for their continued support, the volunteers, members and staff for doing their best in tough economic times.

A special plaque was given to Rina Lio, Manager of RBC Royal Bank, Cooksville branch for their donation to India Rainbow. Appreciation plaques were given to the Arback family, landlords of 3038 Hurontario Street, for their unfaltering support and help to the organization for the past 25 years. Jorge Kaiser of Total Solutions was recognized for always being there in times of need. While presenting staff with 10, 15 and 20 year service pins, Kitty mentioned that India Rainbow has one of the highest rate of staff retention compared to other organizations.

Sheela Joshi, President India Rainbow on the right and Kitty Chadda, Executive Director, India Rainbow, addressing the audience

A client from the Women’s department, Saima – spoke about her struggles in the face of physical and mental abuse from her husband; and how she with the help and support from India Rainbow finally had the courage to turn her life around. Saima is now studying to become a personal trainer and is looking forward to being an individual who can stand on her own feet and also have a career. Another client, whose story was read as she could not attend the meeting, was about the incredible support she got from our Child, Youth and Parenting department in finding help and services for her special needs child. She spoke of her own health issues, as well as how navigating the system for accessing services for a developmentally delayed child was a challenge for her especially because language was a barrier.

For the business part of the meeting, the Chairs of various committees presented their reports. Sam Malvea spoke about the Risk Management committee, Ferzana Chaze reported on the progress of the Governance committee, Bhushan Sood spoke about efforts of the Fundraising, Marketing and Outreach committee, while Vandna Nayyar reported on the Accreditation Committee’s work so far. Shivani Sharda gave a brief report on the Ad-hoc 25th Anniversary committee that was responsible for the gala celebrations in 2010. Later, Sam Malvea presented the Treasurers’ report and the audited financial statement for approval by the membership. Also, auditors for the next fiscal year were appointed. The board acknowledged the contribution of three board members whose terms came to an end – Shivani Sharda, Bhushan Sood, and Mohit Narang. Nazli Rehman, Secretary, explained about the nomination process, and presented the slate of approved members. Sam Malvea, Ferzana Chaze, Rina Kukdé, Manjeet Puri and Sandeep Atwal were nominated to the board.

Board Members - seated from left to right: Ferzana Chaze, Sheela Joshi, Rina Kukdé, Shivani Sharda. Standing (L to R) Bhushan Sood, Mohit Narang, Nazli Rehman, Vandna Nayyar, Sam Malvea and Sandeep Atwal

India Rainbow provides culturally and linguistically appropriate services to the Peel immigrant community since 1985, through English language training, employment related services and settlement services. The organization also provides services to women, children and youth. The Adult Day Program provides services to frail/elderly South Asian seniors with chronic illness or a disability, while our Senior’s Wellness program focuses on light exercises, mental stimulation and social activities. We also provide housing support and case management to South Asians with mental issues who are at risk of becoming homeless. We serve the community through four locations in Peel region.For more information or to volunteer, please contact us at: 905-275-2369 or email at: ircs@indiarainbow.org